May 29

in History

Julian Wins at Ctesiphon — A Roman emperor triumphs but cannot conquer

Ctesiphon, Mesopotamia (modern Iraq)Classical

363

Julian Wins at Ctesiphon

A Roman emperor triumphs but cannot conquer

Under the walls of Ctesiphon, the mighty capital of the Sasanian Empire, Roman Emperor Julian defeated the Persian army in a pitched battle that showcased the last great offensive of pagan Rome. Julian's legions stormed the city's defenses and routed its garrison, but the capital itself proved impregnable. Unable to take the city and deep in enemy territory, Julian was forced to retreat -- a withdrawal during which he would be mortally wounded, ending the last serious challenge to Christianity's dominance.

363 AD

N'Djamena, ChadEarly 20th Century

1900

Fort-Lamy Founded

A French outpost becomes a future capital

French commander Emile Gentil established Fort-Lamy at the confluence of the Chari and Logone rivers in central Africa, planting the seed of what would become N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. The military outpost, named after a French officer killed in the Battle of Kouseri, grew from a colonial garrison into a thriving city. Renamed N'Djamena after independence, it stands today as the political and economic heart of one of Africa's largest nations.

1900 AD

The Rite of Spring — During the premiere of the ballet Le Sacre du printemps by Igor Stravinsky at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in.

Early 20th Century

1913

The Rite of Spring

During the premiere of the ballet Le Sacre du printemps by Igor Stravinsky at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in.

During the premiere of the ballet Le Sacre du printemps by Igor Stravinsky at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the avant-garde nature of the music and choreography caused a near-riot in the audience (report pictured).

1913 AD